Wednesday, September 21, 2005
I remember walking through the gates of the Salinas Valley State Prison, a high-security facility a few hours south of San Francisco, on my way to meet with several Muslim inmates who had requested contact with the local Muslim community. I was accompanied by an experienced imam, Abdul Raouf Nasir... Sign in to see full entry.
At The UN, Terrorism Is More Than Just A Word
At the 2002 Organisation of the Islamic Conference in Malaysia, Muslim countries gathered to form a consensus on the Islamic definition of terrorism. Alas, terrorism is nothing if not political (and murderous) - numerous struggles in Muslim lands where civilians inevitably die meant that no... Sign in to see full entry.
Pakistan's Gesture to Israel Raises Eyebrows
When Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri met with his Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalom in Istanbul, Turkey two weeks ago in a surprise meeting, Muslim countries from Malaysia to Iran called to register their astonishment. Although it was soon acknowledged that the two countries had held... Sign in to see full entry.
The Parallel Universe of Pat Robertson's Fatwa
What does Venezuela have in common with the Middle East (besides lots of oil and a large mosque )? Plenty, according to televangelist Pat Robertson, who this week made a call to "take out" that country's president Hugo Chavez. "If (Chavez) thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think we really... Sign in to see full entry.
Terrorism: A Return To Jahiliyya
One hardly needs to ask al-Qaeda (and al-Qaedaesque) operatives what they think they are doing in their suicide attacks. The pronouncements and writings of Osama bin Laden and Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi make it abundantly clear that they believe they are engaging in a legitimate jihad. Never mind that... Sign in to see full entry.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Challenging Islamic Nationalism
By Yakoub Islam One of the late, great postcolonial Muslim thinkers, Eqbal Ahmad, pointed out that 19th and 20th century Muslims living on the Indian subcontinent were utterly opposed to nationalism. The believed, unashamedly, that nationalism was anti-Islamic. Most of the religious scholars of... Sign in to see full entry.
What's The Rush? Iraqi Consititution Stalls On Major Points
A constitution is no easy document to write. Despite pressure from various quarters, Iraq's 71 constitutional drafters have been unable to meet the first deadline set by the US for a complete constitution. And despite the generous one-week extension - one wonders if they will get docked a grade for... Sign in to see full entry.
Will Britain's Ban Mean The End of Hizb-ut-Tahrir?
After the terrorist attacks on London on July 7th (and the failed ones on July 21st), British politicians and most British Muslims were united in outrage. Most Britons were anxiously waiting for the changes that would come in response to the tragedy (with the Muslims among them bracing themselves... Sign in to see full entry.
Monday, August 8, 2005
"Sleeper Cell" TV Series Aims For Balanced Portrayal
On first glance, the new TV series " Sleeper Cell " should give Muslims pause. A show where fictional Muslims are mingling with neighbors and throwing birthday parties for their kids while leading a double life as a secret sleeper cell that is planning terrorist attacks inside the US, especially... Sign in to see full entry.
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
"Muslim" Wrestlers Get Smackdown In Wake Of Bombings
The world of professional wrestling, which in the US ceased being a "sport" long ago in favor of entertaining the masses with soap opera-like story lines and theatrical fake violence, has long depended on "heels" (i.e. villains) to rile up the crowds. And there's nothing like a Muslim or Arab... Sign in to see full entry.
Are We Really Supposed To "Kill All The Infidels"? (Part II)
Last time, we discussed how the principle of fighting in Islam is in self-defense, and we outlined the violent opposition on the part of the Meccan oligarchy to the message of the Prophet Muhammad (pubh). Now, let us discuss verse 9:5, the infamous "Verse of the Sword," directly. Given the... Sign in to see full entry.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Are We Really Supposed To "Kill All The Infidels"?
By Hesham Hassaballa Time and again, over and over and over again, I either read or hear from people that Islam calls for the murder of "infidels," or all those who are not Muslim. This perception is so pervasive, so entrenched, and I really do not know from where it comes. Yes, there are Muslims... Sign in to see full entry.
Friday, July 22, 2005
For the CIA, One 'Extraordinary Rendition' Too Many
After cooperating for the past two years with the United States on terrorism issues (and not getting much in return), Italy has let surface its underlying tensions with a purported CIA activity known as " extraordinary rendition," where suspected dissidents or criminals are kidnapped for torture in... Sign in to see full entry.
In the Wake Of Shame, Reject Extremism
This week will be remembered as a dark one in European Muslim history. At a time when Bosnian Muslims were commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre of 8000 Muslim men and boys the worst such event in Europe since the Holocaust two disturbing news items involving young... Sign in to see full entry.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Speak Out Or Be Condemned For Your Silence
The last 24 hours will have been an emotional roller coaster ride for the people of London. Following the elation of winning the right to hold the 2012 Olympic Games, at least 7 deadly explosions have brought death and tears to this ancient city. The Olympic win promised to be an enormous boost to... Sign in to see full entry.